Interchangeable handbag carry system

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable handbag system includes a stand alone foundation handbag having an inner storage accommodating surface and an outer decorative surface. The foundation handbag may have regions, such as a hollow interior, front panel, a rear panel and a bottom panel connected by at least one edge to form a hollow container open at a top end thereof. Alternately the foundation handbag may be a simple flexible open-top container with a closed bottom, where the hollow interior, front and rear regions are part of the continuous container. The handbag system includes one or more reversible and/or non-reversible outer slip covers that fit over the foundation bag in a nested arrangement. The slip covers may fit over all and/or alternately a portion of the foundation bag and/or another slip cover. The slip covers and foundation bag are connected by one and/or multiple fastening structures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of co-pending applicationSer. No. 12/779,684, filed on May 13, 2010, incorporated herein byreference, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/637,436,filed Dec. 12, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,114, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/331,560 filed Jan. 14,2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,461 and of application Ser. No. 10/869,542filed Jun. 15, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,730.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to handbags andhandbag systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a handbag,handbag system and method for using the handbag or handbag system thathas one or more interchangeable outer slipcovers. In addition, each ofthe outer slipcovers, lining and handbag straps can optionally bereversible and/or stackable with each other. The inside of the handbagcan also have an optional lining which is removable and reversible andwhich contains compartments for the storage and safety of variouspersonal items.

2. Description of the Related Art

The roles of women have changed dramatically over the past few decades.The modern woman today is fitness and health conscious; career and goaloriented; a dedicated mother, wife and friend; a homemaker; anindividual who travels extensively for work and recreation; or a womanwhose role encompasses one or more of the aforementioned. In addition,throughout history, women have also been known to be extremely fashionand accessory conscious. Not only do they purchase clothing to supportthe roles they have attained in life but have purchased and changedtheir handbags to enhance each outfit or event.

Women also play multiple roles in any given day (e.g., a morning at thegym, a day at the office, a lunch with friends or colleagues, a lateafternoon at the soccer field and an evening out to dinner). Womenpurchase a multitude of handbags in every color, texture and pattern tomatch the clothing they wear for each of these events resulting in manyproblems. For example, one obvious problem is the cost of purchasing somany handbags. In addition, changing handbags daily or multiple timesper day to meet the needs of women is not only time consuming but oftenresults in leaving an essential item such as a cell-phone, house key orstore return receipt in the prior bag when switched. Other commonlyrelated handbag problems include the inability to clean soil from thehandbag's lining and exterior; the handbag that is otherwise good butmust be discarded because the bottom is scraped, worn or torn; whentraveling, not being able to utilize precious luggage space for clothesbecause multiple handbags are packed in their place to match the day,evening and casual attire necessary for the trip.

In prior years, various attempts have been made to solve some of theseproblems but the cited prior patents have not come close to solving themall. The present invention solves them all and more.

For example, known prior art includes “Lenora Raye” handbags withinterchangeable handbag covers, as noted in the website lenoraraye.comwhere an inner liner of a handbag has a zipper near a top peripheraledge thereof. The zipper mates with a corresponding zipper located at atop peripheral edge of an interchangeable handbag cover, which can beunzipped and replaced by another handbag cover of a different design.However, the Lenora Raye outer bag covers teach only interchangeableouter bag covers, not one or more reversible covers or, optionally,multiple reversible covers which are plurally stackable within eachother.

Additionally Lenora Raye handbags of this design are not based on afully functional handbag with optional attached covers; instead, a covermust be attached to the inner liner to complete the Lenora Raye handbag.These handbags also do not appear to have reversible straps or liners.

Known patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,543,499 of McCreery and 6,186,201of Salz for interchangeable carrying bag systems, which include arespective inner foundation bag insertable within a respective outercover of the same shape as the inner foundation bag. However, inMcCreery '499 and Salz '201, the inner bag has an annular band ofVELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, which mates with an outer annular bandof VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, or linear segments thereof; on acorresponding outer upper edge of the inner foundation bag. Thedisadvantage is that when the inner foundation bag is used by itself,the outer annular ring of VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners must becovered with a secondary annular fabric ring, or else the wearer's wristand arm will be irritated by being exposed to and rubbing against theexposed VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, not zippers. Hence, the outerside surfaces of McCreery's and Salz's inner foundation bags areencumbered by either exposed VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, or by anannular decorative fabric ring covering the VELCRO® hook and loopfasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,978,971 of Thornhill describes a hand bag and handbagcover which includes an inner bag insertable within an outer cover bag.The inner and outer bags are connected by buttons and button slots,which can be construed as “fasteners.”

U.S. Pat. No. 3,234,985 of Gilbert also describes a handbag withchangeable covers. In Gilbert '985, the outer cover is attached at a topedge to the inside foundation bag. However, the fastener in Gilbert '985comprises a linearly extending resilient insert, which is insertedwithin a linearly extending channel extending along a top edge of theinner bag.

In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,093 of Goodale and 6,047,404 of Blanksboth describe dual post zippers which include posts at both ends of azipper tape. These dual post zippers are described for the applicationof mattress covers and reversible clothing. Thus there is still a needfor a handbag which addresses the problems discussed above.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,053,464 of Dalsheim discloses a reversible verticallyoriented sash which is discontinuous, i.e. having a gap spatiallyseparating its two ends from each other. Additionally, Dalsheim '464does not continuously cover the entire circumference of the foundationbag in a horizontal side to side plane.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally includes a pocketbook, handbag or purse,but is not limited to and can include a diaper bag, backpack, tote,beach bag, fanny pack, briefcase and or any other carry bag.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag system includes a fullyfunctional foundation bag preferably having a removable inner linerwhich is optionally reversible. The inner liner features severalcompartments for storage of personal items such as wallet, cell phone,keys, tissues, etc. and the inner liner can also be turned inside out toview different configurations of compartments depending on the userswants and needs. For specialized bags, such as diaper bags, thecomponent compartments can be oriented toward the bag's use, withcompartments for wipes, diapers, change of clothes, etc. This allows formore versatility. Embodiments of the invention can also preferablyinclude interchangeable straps which can be reversible or removed tochange the look and function of the handbag; and double sided reversibleslipcovers which can be interchangeable with other double sidedreversible slipcovers. An optional embodiment of the invention allowsother slipcovers to be stacked within each other, so that a plurality ofslipcovers may be nested between the foundation bag and the outermostslipcover. Thus, the other slipcovers are held by the connection betweenthe foundation bag and the outermost slipcover.

The outermost slipcovers are attached by either a conventional singlepost zipper or a dual post zipper. A conventional zipper, with oneengagement post at its proximal end and a stop at its opposite distalend, is used on non-reversible slipcovers. However, a dual post zipperis always used on the top peripheral edge of reversible slipcovers, tofacilitate proper engagement with the mating zipper slide and pullportion attached to the outer surface of the foundation bag. In thismanner, a properly facing engagement zipper post is available to matewith the foundation bag regardless of the outer surface or orientationof the outer slipcover selected. A different separating-type zipper isused to attach the removable liner to the inside of the foundation bag.The zipper can be located along the upper, middle or lower regions ofthe foundation bag or a combination of one or more of these regions. Thezipper mates with, and is fed into, a slide and pull portion of acorresponding zipper extended along various outside surfaces of thefoundation bag. As a result, the outermost slipcover is suspended fromthe annular peripheral edge extending along the outside surface of theinner foundation bag. The zipper attaching the slipcover to thefoundation bag can be optionally covered by a flap.

The position of the zipper on the foundation bag can vary, dependingupon how much, if any, of the foundation bag is to be exposed above theouter slipcover. For example, if the zipper is at the top periphery ofthe foundation bag, then its outer surface will be completely hidden bythe slipcover.

On the other hand, if the outer slipcover is shorter than the foundationbag, then a portion of the foundation bag will be exposed above the topperiphery of the outer slipcover. In that case, the zipper on thefoundation bag is located lower than at the top periphery of thefoundation bag and mates with the zipper at the top periphery of theouter slipcover, exposing a portion of the foundation bag to view.

Additionally, each outer slipcover is also optionally reversible with adifferent design pattern, material, color, texture and/or embellishmenton either side of the outer slipcover so that when turned inside out,the outer surface design is changed to meet the user's needs in order tochange the look and function of the handbag.

In other embodiments of this invention, the apparent line of demarcationbetween the fully functional foundation bag and the slip cover may notbe a horizontal line as viewed from the side, front and back. Forexample, in one embodiment, a trapezoidal outer flap, which ispermanently attached at one end to the foundation bag, defines theinterface between these two sections, namely, the common boundary regionbetween the foundation bag and the slip cover. Other outer flapgeometric configurations may be applicable in addition to trapezoids,such as arcs, squares, zigzags, rectangles, waves, polygons or portionsthereof. In one embodiment, a horizontal zipper slide and pull halfportion hidden under the outer trapezoidal flap joins the slip coverwith the foundation bag. The foundation bag zipper slide and pull halfportion is attached to a horizontal inner skirt connected to thefoundation handbag underneath the trapezoidal or other geometricallyshaped outer flap. The purpose of the inner skirt is to permit smoothoperation of the zipper slide and pull half portion attached to thelower peripheral edge of the inner skirt, as it engages with areciprocating zipper post half portion, attached to a top edge or topregion of an outer slip cover. The horizontally placed zipper, which,when placed along a contoured edge of an outer flap with anon-horizontal shape, will normally not glide smoothly. The inner skirtalso permits the attachment of a horizontal zipper to the foundation bagwithout being stitched to the outer flap, thus concealing the zipperstitching on the foundation bag wall, thereby enabling more room forstacking outer slip covers or more embellished, thicker ones like slipcovers with fringe, fur, quilting and/or pockets. In other embodimentsof this outer trapezoidal flap foundation bag, the slip covers areattached by fastener means other than a zipper. For example, arrays ofuser operable fasteners may be employed in place of a zipper, such assnaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, French snaps, mechanical traditionalsnaps, sewn-in snaps and non-sewn in snaps, buttons, collar buttons,studs, screw-in studs, press in studs, sewn in standard buttons,buckles, turn locks, single turn locks, double turn locks, triple plateturn locks, flap turn locks, drop turn locks, swivel snaps, catches,flap push button catches, flap spring catches, tuck catches and tucklocks, snap hooks, grommets, D rings, and O rings, connected grommets, Drings and O rings, linear zippers. linear dual post zippers, curvedzippers, curved dual post zippers, toggles, clips, spring clips, orswivel clips.

These attachment mechanisms include optionally discrete manually appliedspot fasteners, with single or multiple attachment positions, such as,for example, snaps, buttons, buckles, turn locks, swivel snaps, catches,tucks, clips, toggles and snap hooks or others known to those skilled inthe art of handbag manufacturing. Each of these attachment devices canbe further defined in sub-categories, for example snaps can be magnetic,mechanical, or French types. The attachment devices may be concealed,such as the magnetic fasteners by, for example, being sewn in beneath afinished surface. Alternate means of concealing magnetic fasteners arealso possible with the present invention, such as fixing them in aconcealed location by gluing or the creation of a snug pocket or by anyother means know to those skilled in the art.

The fastening devices may not be concealed. Such fastening devices astraditional snaps or buttons or turn-locks can not be concealed if theyare to be functional, but such non-concealed fasteners can be attachedby being sewn in, glued, and punch pressed and by any other meansconventionally known to those skilled in the art.

If the demarcation between the foundation bag and the slip cover is of acurved nature with no sharp corners, a curved zipper, such as in U.S.Pat. No. 6,244,484 of Farrell, can optionally be used for attachment.These can be single post on the slip cover if it is not reversible, ordual post for reversible curved slip covers. The zipper follows thecurve of the interface edge between the foundation bag and the outerslip cover. The curved zipper can be outwardly visible, or it can becovered by an outer flap of any geometric configuration or attached toan inner skirt.

In a further embodiment, the outer slip cover is attached to an innersurface located inside the foundation bag adjacent to its top edge; thisis facilitated by flaps attached to the top open edge of the outer slipcover in which the flaps are folded over the foundation bag edgeengaging its inner surface.

The inner skirt can be located anywhere on the outside of the foundationbag, underneath and concealed by the outer flap. Thus, the inner skirtdoes not necessarily require a deep outer flap. An alternate embodimentof the present invention can have a shallow outer flap rather than adeep one.

Furthermore, it is noted that the one or more outer slip covers aredesigned to circumferentially and continuously cover at least a portion,if not all, of the foundation bag, unlike Dalsheim '464.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

For example, the interchangeable carrying bag system of the presentinvention may include a foundation handbag having an inner storagecompartment and an outer surface; wherein the foundation handbag has aninterior, front, rear and bottom regions connected by at least one edgeto form a container open at a top end thereof; and wherein said handbagsystem has at least one reversible slip cover. The at least one slipcover has an interior, front, rear and bottom regions connected by atleast one edge to form a container open at a top end thereof. Acontinuous inner surface of the at least one slip cover continuouslycovers at least a continuous portion of the continuous outer surface ofthe foundation handbag. The foundation handbag and the at least onereversible slip cover have a common connection interface therebetween.

The present invention can best be understood in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeablecarry bag system, showing one handle in perspective and a cutaway viewof the connecting end of a further handle wherein the arrow indicatesthe sliding direction of the slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the carry bag as in FIG. 1, showingsliding assembly of the decorative outer cover over the inner foundationbag, wherein the arrow indicates the sliding direction of the slipcoverover the foundation bag.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeablecarry bag system showing a foundation bag and an outer slipcover whichis reversible, showing one handle in perspective and a cutaway view ofthe connecting end of a further handle wherein the arrow indicates thesliding direction of the slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the dual postzipper shown in FIG. 2, taken along the dashed line ellipse “2A” of FIG.2.

FIG. 2B is a close-up perspective view of connectors for optionallyinterchangeable reversible handles.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for a handbagsystem having a decorative pendant suspended from the zipper handleclasp, and showing a further embodiment for a permanently attachedhandle.

FIG. 2D is a close-up perspective view of an optional permanentlyattached handle joint for non-reversible straps taken along the dashedline ellipse “2D” of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foundation bag withan interchangeable reversible lining.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the inside walls of the lining as inFIG. 3, showing pockets for items of personal use.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the lining as in FIG. 3, shown in areversed inverted inside-out position.

FIG. 3C is a close up detailed top plan view of a portion of thefoundation bag of FIG. 3, shown closed by a pair of fasteners.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interchangeable carry bag system ofFIGS. 1 and 2, showing a foundation bag and multiple stackable andreversible outer slipcovers.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeablecarry bag system showing a foundation bag and a different sized partialouter slipcover wherein the arrow indicates the sliding direction of thepartial slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an alternateembodiment for handbag system including a bag with an inner skirt, anouter flap, and multiple attachable, stackable and interchangeable outerslip covers, which may be optionally reversible.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view thereof, shown with the outerflap pulled upward to reveal the inner skirt.

FIG. 6C is a close up elevational view of the handbag system of FIG. 6A,shown with an inner skirt, and shown in partial cutaway, wherein theconnection interface is a dual post zipper.

FIG. 6D is a close up perspective view of the venting system whichincludes a vertical slit and an optional tab of the handbag system,taken along the dotted view line in the circle “6D” on a textured sideof FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is a close up perspective view in partial cutaway of an endportion of the outer flap as in FIG. 6A, but shown without a vent andshowing a fastening device attached to the inner skirt, wherein thefastening device may be a snap.

FIG. 6F is a close up perspective view of an alternate embodiment for aconnection interface including a button attached to the inner skirt andaperture provided therefor.

FIG. 6G is a close up view of a further alternate embodiment for aconnection interface beneath the outer flap of FIG. 6A showing a snapwith a reciprocating protruding portion attached to the inner skirt.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view in partial cutaway, of an alternateembodiment for a hobo-style handbag system showing a curved outer flapover the interface between the outermost outer slip cover and thefoundation bag.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for a handbagsystem as in FIG. 7A with a curved outer flap, which is shown raised, toexpose the connection fastener being an optional dual post zipper with aslide and pull one half portion of it attached to the bottom peripheraledge of an inner skirt of a foundation bag and the dual post halfportion thereof attached to the horizontal top peripheral edge of theoutermost slip cover.

FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of a tote-style handbag system witha horizontal linear outer flap whose connection interface between theoutermost stackable slip covers and the foundation bag is a plurality ofturn locks, where it is understood that the slip covers may be eitherreversible or non-reversible.

FIG. 8B is a close up exploded perspective view of a turn lock closureportion of the tote bag shown in FIG. 8A, taken along the dashed viewlines in the circle “8B” shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a close up detail view of a tote bag as in FIG. 8A, whereinthe linear connection interface is one or more snaps and reciprocatingprotrusions attached to the underside of the outer flap and to the outerside of an outermost slip cover.

FIG. 8D is a close up detail view of the tote handbag system as in FIG.8A shown with a snap attached to the underside of the outer flap, andreciprocating protrusions with adjustable sizes attached to an outerside of the outermost slip cover.

FIG. 8E is a close up detail view of the tote handbag system as in FIG.8A showing a concealed sewn in magnetic attachment on the underside ofthe foundation bag outer flap, which is raised to expose the connectioninterface of a reciprocating sewn in magnetic attachment on theoutermost cover.

FIG. 8EE is a close up detail view of the tote handbag system as in FIG.8A showing a concealed zipper portion of a dual post zipper attachmenton the underside of the foundation bag outer flap, which is raised toexpose the connection interface of a reciprocating zipper portion of thedual post zipper attachment to the outermost cover.

FIG. 8F is a further embodiment for a tote handbag system having aplurality of connection interfaces, including an outer flap covering aconnection interface, shown in partial cutaway detail, as an exemplarydual post zipper and a lower, shorter outer slip cover being connectedto an intermediate slip cover by a connection interface, which includesa plurality of manually operable concealed sewn in fasteners.

FIG. 8G is a close up perspective detail view in partial cutaway, asviewed in the dashed line of circle “8G” in FIG. 8F, of one of theconcealed manual user operable fasteners shown in FIG. 8F.

FIG. 8H is an alternate embodiment for a handbag system showing an outerflap covering a zipper connection interface between a foundation bag andan intermediary slip cover and showing a short outer slip coverconnected by a plurality of discrete user operable fasteners (such asconcealed sewn in magnets), and further showing one or more closed,peripheral edged apertures in the shorter outer slip cover, to revealthe surface of the intermediate slip cover.

FIG. 8I shows a further embodiment for a handbag system with an outerflap covering a zipper interface between a foundation bag and an outerslip cover, wherein the outermost slip cover has one or more closed,peripheral edged apertures exposing the surface of the intermediarynested stacked slip cover or the foundation bag (not shown).

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a handbag system showing a foundationbag and multiple outer stackable slip covers, wherein the foundation baghas a trapezoidal shaped outer flap covering one or more trapezoidal ornon linear geometrically shaped regions of slip covers, wherein thefoundation bag's trapezoidal outer flap joinery edge is attached on theupper mid region half of the wall of the foundation bag.

FIG. 9B is a front elevational view of the handbag system as in FIG. 9A,but where in cutaway the non-linear interface connection includes aplurality of discrete user operable fasteners.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a further alternate embodimentfor handbag system showing a curved outer flap attached to thefoundation bag wall, with a joinery edge at the upper mid region thereofcovering a curved interface applied to multiple stackable curved slipcovers, including an array of a plurality of user operable fasteners;wherein the slip covers may be reversible and/or nonreversible.

FIG. 10B is a front perspective view showing a handbag system with acurved outer flap where a joinery edge is located on the upper midregion of the foundation bag wall shown in partial cutaway, exposing acurved slide and pull half portion, of a curved zipper, located underthe outer flap and engaged with a curved post portion, of a curvedzipper, located on the outermost slip cover, with optional inner curvedshaped upper regions of slip covers that are located therebetween.

FIG. 10C is a front perspective view of a further alternate embodimentfor a handbag system, showing a foundation bag having an outer flap andan outer slip cover having a faux flap mask covering the outer flap ofthe foundation bag.

FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of a tote style bag withinterchangeable handles, wherein the outer slip cover is connected tothe foundation bag by connections to the handle and optional innerdiscrete interface connections.

FIG. 11B is a close up view of two examples of the connectors shown inFIG. 11A, including a handle connector and a discrete concealed sewn inmagnetic fastener connector.

FIG. 12A is a front perspective view, shown in partial cutaway, of analternate embodiment for a messenger style handbag system, showing oneor more slip covers attached to a foundation bag via multiple types offastening structures, wherein the fastening structures used therein aretriple plate turn locks and a plurality of linear placed discretemagnetic fasteners.

FIG. 12B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 12A, showing theconnections of the sewn in magnets along the upper circumference of thefoundation bag and the reciprocating magnets sewn in the slip covers.The protrusion part of the turn lock attached to the foundation bag wallreceives the plates first from the intermediary cover, next from theouter most covers and lastly from the foundation bag top flap, whichcloses the top opening of the foundation bag.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are further examples of a tote style bag with afoundation bag and a slip cover, wherein the outer slip cover isconnected inside the foundation bag to an inner surface thereof, whereinFIG. 13B uses the handbag handle and magnetic fasteners to contain thecover, as follows:

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view in partial cutaway of a handbagsystem and FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the handbag system of FIG.13A, showing another embodiment of the handbag system with a foundationbag and one or more outer slip covers having foldover flaps, wherein thedepicted outer slip cover is connected to the foundation bag by bothmultiple discrete magnetic fasteners located along the inside of thefoundation bag and the inside of the outer slip cover; and alsoconnected by an interchangeable handle fastened through the foundationbag via a swivel snap hook. It is understood that other fastener meanscan be used on the handle, such as a buckle, toggle, spring clip andother fasteners known to those in the manufacturing of handbags.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are commonto the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the inventionare attained and can be understood in detail, a more particulardescription of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had byreference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in theappended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an interchangeable carry bag system 10. Thesystem 10 includes a discrete foundation bag 12 and a non-reversiblesleeve-like outer slipcover 13. The outer slipcover 13 has a first outersurface 14 and a second inner surface 15. The first outer surface 14 isillustratively a decorative surface and can be made of materialincluding but not limited to leather, suede, cotton, silk, etc. and canhave a variety of decorative textures, patterns and embellishments. Thesecond inner surface 15 is a lining of the outer slipcover 13 made ofvarious materials including but not limited to cotton, polyester orother natural or manmade materials. The outer slipcover 13 contains afirst fastening structure 24, which is located circumferentially alongthe top periphery of the outer slipcover 13. The first fastening zipperstructure 24 is one side of a standard zipper containing a single post26. A user may slip the outer slipcover 13 over the foundation bag 12and position the post 26 from the first fastening zipper structure 24 ofthe slipcover 13 into the slide and pull portion of the second fasteningzipper structure 19 of the foundation bag 12, in order to interlock theouter slipcover 13 to the foundation bag 12 and create a different lookfor the handbag system 10. The process of zipping the outer slipcover 13on and off is easy, simple and quick and is a preferred method offastening the outer slipcover 13 to the foundation bag 12. Zipper slideand pull portion 19, located on an outer surface of foundation bag 12,is operated via zipper handle clasp pull tab 27.

FIG. 1 also shows optional flap 16 covering and hiding zipper portion 19thereunder. Flap 16 extends from and is connected to foundation bag 12at one side and has an opposite distal outer free floating edge.

In addition, FIG. 1 also depicts an optional handle 30. Illustratively,handle 30 is shown as a reversible handle, but it is known thatnon-reversible handles, such as handle 23 of FIG. 2C, may also be used,as well as no handle, in a clutch bag configuration. The handle 30 iscoupled to the foundation bag 12 via connectors which may be oriented indifferent directions, such as, for example, swiveled loops 32 on theends of the handles 30 which are looped through grommets 28 near the topperiphery of the foundation bag 12. The swiveled loops 32 allow a userto rotate the handle 30 so that the opposing (i.e., previously unseen)side of the handle is now viewable to further alter the look of thefoundation bag 12.

Although FIG. 1 depicts the handbag system 10 using handles 30 it isappreciated that the invention may be practiced without the use ofhandles 30 or with non reversible sewn-in or otherwise permanentlyattached handles 23 shown in FIG. 2C. Further, other embodiments of thisinvention can include other types of handles, fastening structures andother shapes, sizes and embellishments of the foundation bag 12 andouter slipcovers 13.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the handbag system 10 as describedabove and depicted in FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows non-reversibleouter slipcover 13 partially slipped over foundation bag 12. A portionof the foundation bag 12 is lifted to show the zipper slide and pullportion 19 of foundation bag 12 ready for interlocking with the singlepost zipper portion 24 of outer slipcover 13. The elements in FIG. 1Ahave been already described with respect to FIG. 1. For brevity, adescription of those elements is not repeated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeablecarry bag system 21. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts a handbag system 21having a foundation bag 12 and an outer slipcover 17 which isreversible. Many of the elements of the handbag system 21 depicted inFIG. 2 have been previously depicted and described with respect thehandbag system depicted in FIG. 1. As such, and for the purpose ofbrevity, a description of those elements is not repeated.

The outer reversible sleeve-like slipcover 17 has a first decorativeouter surface 20 and a second decorative inner surface 22. The outersurface 20 and inner surface 22 are both decorative surfaces made from awide variety of materials. Each surface (20 and 22) has its owndistinctive decorative color, pattern, texture and/or embellishments.The outer reversible slipcover 17 also contains a dual post fasteningzipper structure 29 which is located circumferentially along the topperiphery of the outer reversible slipcover 17. The dual post fasteningstructure is one side of a zipper. The zipper post portion 29 containsaxially oriented dual posts 29 a at opposite ends thereof, which arealso shown in a close-up detail view in FIG. 2A. The user may turn theouter reversible slipcover 17 inside out to reveal the second surface22. The user may slip the outer reversible slipcover 17 over thefoundation bag 12 and position one post 29 a from the dual postfastening structure 29 of the outer reversible slipcover 17 into theslide and pull portion of the second fastening structure 19 of thefoundation bag 12, in order to interlock the outer reversible slipcover17 to the foundation bag 12 and create another different look. Thereversible slipcover 17 of FIG. 2 offers more options to the user thanthe nonreversible slipcover 13 of FIG. 1. Thus, when utilizing theinterchangeable carry bag system according to this embodiment, the usercan obtain four different appearances for the handbag system by usingthe foundation bag 12 by itself, without an outer slipcover; using thefoundation bag 12 with the non-reversible outer slipcover 13; or usingthe foundation bag 12 with reversible outer slipcover 17 in eitherorientation, with either its outer side or inner side exposed. It isappreciated that other embodiments of the invention can include othertypes of fastening structures and other shapes, sizes and embellishmentsof foundation bags and slipcovers. FIG. 2 also shows closure member 35to close the top of foundation bag 12 with closure member 36 of FIG. 3C.FIG. 2 also shows optional flap 16 covering and hiding zipper portion 19thereunder. Flap 16 extends from and is connected to foundation bag 12at one side and has an opposite distal outer free floating edge.

FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the dual postzipper portion 29 shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 2A depicts a firstside portion 29 of a zipper which interlocks with a mating second slideand pull portion 19 of the zipper, located under the optional flap shownin FIG. 2, on an outer surface of the foundation bag 12. The first sideof the zipper post portion 29 has dual posts 29 a located at each end ofthe first side of the zipper 29. The dual post 29 a allows a user tointerlock the first and second portions (29 and 19) of the zipperregardless of the outer or inner side (20 and 22) of the outer slipcover17 being exposed outwardly.

FIG. 2B is a close-up perspective view of optionally interchangeablereversible handles 30. The handles 30 shown in FIG. 2 operate asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for a carry bagsystem 21 having an optional decorative pendant 70 suspended from azipper handle pull clasp 27. As opposed to the normal engaged (zipped)position of zipper handle pull clasp 27 shown in FIGS. 1-3 at the leftside of foundation bag 12, if a decorative pendant 70 is used, thiszipped position of pull clasp 27 on zipper side portion 19 is relocatedto the outer side center of foundation bag 12, as shown in FIG. 2C.Preferably, to maintain the pendant 70 in the center of foundation bag12, zipper slide and pull portion 19 would require a post, to stop thezipper slide and pull portion 19 at the center of foundation bag 12. Itis appreciated that the decorative pendant 70 can be made from any typeof material, be of any color, and any shape; and be used in accordancewith the invention. Furthermore, it is noted that the zipper post 26 or29 a can be located anywhere along the outer side surface of foundationbag 12, so that the zipper handle pull clasp 27 can be convenientlypositioned to allow for minimal pulling effort and torque to slide thehandle clasp 27 along zipper portions 19 and 29 of the reversible bag or19 and 24 of the non-reversible bag. In addition, FIG. 2D depicts ahandle 23 permanently attached to the foundation bag 12 and not having aswivel portion. It is also further noted that non-reversible,permanently attached handles 23 can be used in other embodiments,instead of the reversible handle 30 coupled to the foundation bag 12 viamulti-directionally oriented connectors, such as, for example, swiveledloops 32 and garments 28. However, if reversibility is not required,then non-reversible handles 23 can be used.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handbag system withan interchangeable lining 37. Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts a foundationbag 12 which can be made of various flexible materials including but notlimited to leather, suede, silk, etc. The foundation bag 12 can be wornand used without the use of an outer slipcover 13 or 17 or without liner37. The foundation bag 12 preferably has a first fastening closurestructures 35, 36 (shown in FIG. 3C), attached to the foundation bag 12for closing the foundation bag 12. The first fastening closurestructures 35 and 36 may be opposite magnetic closures but is notlimited to such, and can include a zipper, drawstring, snap, buckle,hook and loop or other closing mechanism capable of joining the opposingsides of foundation bag 12 together. For example, the first fasteningstructures 35 and 36 can be magnetic snap type fasteners of oppositepolarity. Optionally the foundation bag 12 has a second fasteningstructure 19 (e.g., a zipper slide and pull portion) located on theouter surface of the foundation bag near the top periphery thereof asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The second fastening structure 19 mates withthe single post zipper portion 24 of a full sized non-reversibleslipcover 13 or mates with a dual post zipper portion 29 of a reversibleslipcover 17. Zipper slide and pull portion 50 may be located on thelower region of the foundation bag 12 as depicted in FIG. 5 to mate witha dual post zipper portion 52 of a partial sized slipcover 44. Thelocation and number of second fastening structures, such as zipper slideand pull portions 19 or 50, located upon foundation bag 12, may varydepending on the size of outer slipcover 13, 17 or 44 being applied andthe amount of versatility demanded by the consumer of the foundation bag12. For example, a foundation bag 12 that contains three secondfastening structures, such as zipper slide and pull portions 19, locatedat the top, middle and bottom regions respectively of foundation bag 12,can receive a variety of different sized slipcovers (full, mid regionand lower region slipcovers respectively). However, the foundation bag12 that contains only one second fastening zipper slide and pull portionstructure 19 or 50 can receive one sized non-reversible outer slipcover13, reversible outer slipcover 17 or partial outer slipcover 44.

The foundation bag 12 with a liner 37 is also depicted in FIG. 3 with apair of straps 30 which together form a handle for holding thefoundation bag 12. Straps 30 can be made of rigid or flexible material,including but not limited to leather, belting, cording, plastic, beadingetc. Similar to straps 30 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the straps 30 may beinterchangeable and may be fastened to the foundation bag 12 by a thirdmulti-directionally oriented fastening structure such as swivelableloops 32 and grommet 28, as described before in FIG. 1. In addition tothe advantages of the interchangeable straps 30 described above, theinterchangeable straps 30 also allow the user to disconnect the straps30 for a variety of other reasons e.g., to replace damaged, frayedstraps; to change the original straps for another pair of straps 30 of adifferent length or style; and for aesthetic purposes of reversing thestraps 30 to wear on the opposite side revealing a different color, orpattern, or to remove the straps 30 for a strapless clutch hand bag. Thethird fastening structure 28 and 32 is for illustrative purposes and isnot intended in any way to limit the scope of the hardware or fastenerused to connect the strap 30 to the foundation bag 12. It can also beappreciated that other embodiments of the invention can include othertypes of straps, such as non-reversible sewn-in straps 23 of FIG. 2D,the quantity of straps 30 or 23, or no strap at all.

FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B depict the preferably reversible lining 37 which canbe made of various flexible materials including but not limited tocotton, polyester, silk, satin etc. FIG. 3A shows two inner side wallsof the lining 37 in a first position of use with pockets for items ofpersonal use such as a cell phone, glasses, tissues, keys, credit cards,as well as a large zipped compartment for miscellaneous items whereinthe large compartment may have small subcompartments. For specializedbags, such as diaper bags, the compartments may include wet wipes, moisttowelettes, diapers and/or change of clothes, etc. FIG. 3B shows lining37 in a reverse, inverted, inside-out position. While lining 37 ispreferably reversible so it can be used inside out, it can be providedalso as a non-reversible lining. The lining 37 may be interchangeableand may be fastened to the foundation bag 12 by a fourth fasteningstructure 39, such as a zipper post portion, located along the topperipheral edge of the liner 37 and the corresponding zipper slide andpull portion 43 located along the top inside periphery of the foundationbag 12, so that when the post side 41 of the fourth fastening structure39 is fed into the slide and pull side of the zipper portion 43 locatedon the inner upper surface of the foundation bag 12, the lining 37 andfoundation bag 12 interlock in position. The optionally interchangeableliner 37 allows the user to remove the existing lining 37 for a varietyof reasons e.g., for cleaning purposes, to discard and replace anirreparably damaged liner (e.g., ripped, soiled etc.) or for theaesthetic purpose of choosing another color, texture or pattern lining.Optionally lining 37 may be provided with dual post zipper portion 41 tofacilitate the proper engagement with the zipper side and pull portion43 on foundation bag 12. When turned inside out, the lining 37 may haveinner compartments such as at least one zipper compartment 45 to keepitems secure and one or more pockets 47 to hold various personal itemssuch as keys, tissues, cell phone etc. The lining inner compartments 45and/or 47 are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention. As such, other embodiments of the inventioncan include other types and amounts of compartments with differentclosures. It is appreciated that the liner 37 may include more or lesscompartments than depicted in FIG. 3 or no compartments at all.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the foundation bag 12 of FIG. 3, shownclosed by a fastener 35 attached to another fastener 36. Elements suchas handles 30, loops 32, grommets 28 and foundation bag 12 have alreadybeen described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 2B, and 3. For brevity, thoseelements are not further described with respect to 3C. In addition tothose elements already described, illustratively, fasteners 35 and 36are depicted as magnetic type fasteners having two magnetic portions ofopposite magnetic polarity. The magnetic attraction between magneticportions 35, 36 and a snap feature is sufficient to hold the foundationbag 12 is a closed position when desired. Although FIG. 3C depicts thefasteners 35 and 36 as magnetic closures it is appreciated that any typeof fastener can be used in accordance with the invention (e.g., snap,magnetic snaps, hook and loop VELCRO® fasteners or a zipper).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interchangeable carry bag system 21of FIG. 2 showing foundation bag 12 and multiple stackable outerreversible slipcovers 17, 67 and 78. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows thestackability aspect of multiple outer reversible slipcovers 17, 67 and78. In addition to outer slipcover 17 described with respect to theembodiments of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 depicts two additional outer slipcovers(67 and 78). Each additional slipcover 67 and 78, as illustrated, isalso reversible, however nonreversible slipcovers such as outerslipcovers 13 of FIG. 1 may be used or a combination of reversible andnonreversible slipcovers may be used. Outer slipcover 67 includes afirst inner surface 66 and second outer surface 68, and a dual postzipper portion 29. Outer slipcover 78 includes a first inner surface 74,a second outer surface 76, and a dual post zipper portion 29.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 operates similarly to that describedwith respect to FIGS. 1-3. However, the outer slipcover 17 is notinterlocked with foundation bag 12. Rather, the outer slipcover 17 ismerely slipped over the foundation bag 12. Thereafter, outer slipcover67 is slipped over outer slipcover 17 without interlocking the outerslipcover 67 to the foundation bag 12. Afterwards, outer slipcover 78 isslipped over outer slipcover 67 and interlocked to foundation bag 12 viathe dual posted zipper 29 being inserted into the second fasteningstructure 19 of the foundation bag 12. The outer slipcovers 17 and 67are nested between the foundation bag 12 and outermost slipcover 78 andtherefore held in place by the interlocking of the foundation bag 12with the outermost slipcover 78. Since the outer slipcovers 17, 67 and78 are flexible, each can have the same size as each other slipcover.Inner placed slipcovers 17 and 67 are not fastened by zippers, butrather are loosely nested within each other. In this illustration ofFIG. 4, each of the outer slipcovers 17, 67 and 78 allow the user twodifferent appearances for the handbag system. Thus, the three outerslipcovers (17, 67 and 78) allow the user six different appearances forthe foundation bag 12. In addition, the user has at their disposal aseventh appearance for the foundation bag 12 itself, if the user decidesto use none of the outer slipcovers 17, 67 and/or 78, since thefoundation bag 12 is a completely functioning handbag on its own. It isappreciated that the number of outer slipcovers 17, 67 or 78 can vary,depending on the needs of a particular user and that more or fewerreversible outer slipcovers 17, 67 or 78 and/or nonreversible outerslipcovers 13 may be used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeablecarry bag system showing a foundation bag and a different sizedsleeve-like outer slipcover. FIG. 5 depicts some of the elementspreviously described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. For the purpose ofbrevity, the function and description of those elements is not repeated.In addition to those features previously described, FIG. 5 also depictsa second zipper post portion 52 located circumferentially on a topperipheral edge of an outer partial slipcover 44. The outer reversibleslipcover 44 includes a dual post zipper side portion 52, a first innersurface 42 and a second outer surface 46. The partial outer slipcover 44can optionally be nonreversible and would therein include a standardsingle post zipper portion for purposes of interlocking itself to zipperslide and pull portion 50 located on the outer surface of the foundationbag 12. In FIG. 5 the partial slipcover 44 may be slipped over the lowerportion of the foundation bag 12 and interlocked using the zipper slideand pull portion 50 and dual post zipper portion 52. Although FIG. 5depicts a single partial outer slipcover 44 it is appreciated that otherpartial slipcovers of the same size may be nested between foundation bag12 and outer partial slipcover 44 as similarly described with respect toFIG. 4.

It is appreciated that many different types (i.e. sizes and styles) andthe amount of zippers place on the outside of the foundation bag 12 willvary and can also be used in accordance with the invention. It is alsonoted that the zipper slide and pull portions (19 and/or 50) located onthe outside of the foundation bag 12 may be hidden via a flap ofmaterial on the foundation bag itself or it may be in full view and itsfunction is also and aspect of its design.

Foundation bag 100 of this invention, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C,is an example of a fully functional handbag with permanently attachedouter flap 104 whose lower edge is shaped with trapezoidal demarcationelement 108 (connected to foundation bag 102), wherein foundation bag102 is connected at the top by handle 112 and zipper or other closure114. While the bag may have as little as one outer slip cover, FIG. 6Ashows an example with two reversible outer slip covers 130 and 140covering lower portion 106 of foundation bag 102, wherein the connectioninterface, such as slide and pull half portion 118 of dual post zipperand dual post portion 132 and 142 of FIG. 6B, is covered by an outerflap of any geometrical configuration, such as in this example, atrapezoid shape outer flap.

FIG. 6B shows the handbag system of the hobo embodiment of FIG. 6A,wherein trapezoidal demarcation element 108 of outer flap 104 is liftedup to reveal inner skirt 116 having zipper slide and pull half portion118 of a dual post zipper connected thereto for engagement with dualpost portion 132 of the connection interface, such as a dual postzipper, between foundation bag 102 and one or more outer slip covers 130and 140. It is noted that outer flap 104 covers inner skirt 116. Innerskirt 116 allows a zipper, when placed horizontally, to engagefoundation bag 102 with outermost slip cover 140. A zipper placed alongmost non linear edges, i.e. trapezoidal edges, wavy edges or sharpcurves, does not glide either at all or smoothly. Zippers are inherentlyused along straight edges. Moreover, it is noted that upper zipper slideand pull half portion 118 can mate with either dual post zipper portion132 of reversible slip cover 130 or if inner slip cover 130 is stackedwithin outer slip cover 140, then upper zipper slide and pull halfportion 118, which is connected to inner skirt 116, may mate with zipperpost half portion 142 of outer slip cover 140 of handbag system 100.This mating results in slip cover 130 being nested between foundationbag 102 and outermost slip cover 140. It is further noted that if slipcovers 130 and 140 are not reversible, then dual post zipper 118, 132 or118, 142 can be a conventional non-dual post zipper.

It is noted that while handbag system 100 is depicted as a hobo stylehandbag, which is for illustrative purposes only and that other bagstyles such as the tote bag, messenger bag, backpack, diaper bag, clutchor other style handbags may be applicable.

FIG. 6C is a close up detail view of FIG. 6B, of the connectioninterface of outer flap portion 104 of foundation bag 102 having outerflap 104, with its trapezoidal trim element 108 covering the connectioninterface, which includes inner skirt 116, having at its lower distalend upper slide and pull half portion 118 of a dual post zipper, whichmates with the lower post half portion of at least one outer slip cover,such as slip cover 140, which is depicted having post half portion 142attached along the top peripheral edge thereof.

In FIG. 6D, a venting of outer flap 104 is used in order to providefurther flexibility in lifting up outer flap portion 104. Venting system110 is a vertical or otherwise slit and an optional tab, which may beprovided at the sides of handbag system 100, which separates the frontand rear portions of outer flap 104. Venting system 110 may extend upalong any portion of outer flap 104, or partially as shown ontrapezoidal edge 108. It is noted that an optional tab may be added tothe underside of the slit of venting system 100, to cover the connectioninterface fastening structures underneath.

While FIG. 6C shows a dual post zipper as the connection interfacebetween foundation bag 102 and at least one slip cover 140, in FIG. 6Finner skirt 116, located under outer flap 104, contains reciprocatingfastener button member 144 engageable with reciprocating fastener 145,such as a button hole member located on outer slip cover 140, whereinouter flap 104 covers user operable fastener 144. It is further notedthat the plurality of fasteners 144, such as buttons, snaps, hooks,buckles, turn locks or other fasteners known to those skilled in theart, may be provided in an array for attaching the outer slip cover 140to foundation bag 102. This optional array may preferably be comprisedof an extended arrangement of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners,wherein the array is preferably comprised of at least three suchfasteners in a group, and wherein the array is comprised of at least twosuch groups of fasteners, with one group of discrete user operablefasteners located on a front of foundation bag 102 and another group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners located on a rear of foundation bag102.

FIG. 6G shows a further alternate embodiment, wherein the connectioninterface comprises one or more, preferably a plurality, of snaps 146attached to inner skirt 116 and being engageable with, and reciprocatingwith, snap protrusions upon outermost slip cover 140 and under outerflap 104. It is noted that the reciprocating male or female portions ofthe snaps 146 can be alternatively on either portion of the foundationbag wall, the permanently attached flap thereof, the inner skirt or theslip cover. In embodiments of the present invention where the slip coveris reversible, the receiving end of the fastener is placed on both sidesof the slip cover.

FIG. 7A shows a further embodiment for handbag system 200, with adifferent curved configuration for outer flap 204, wherein curveddemarcation edge 208 of outer flap 204 covers one or more of outer slipcover 240 and/or intermediary slip cover 230 over fully functionalfoundation bag 202, having attached thereto outer flap 204 with curveddemarcation edge 208. Optional vent 210 is provided for handbag system200, which further includes handle 212 connected to upper portion 204 offoundation bag 202 and an upper zipper closure member known to thoseskilled in the art, such as an additional security closure flapextending generally perpendicularly or even angularly over zipper 214located at the top of foundation bag 202, on outer flap 204.

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the hobo style embodiment of FIG. 7A,wherein outer flap 204 with curved demarcation edge 208 is lifted up toreveal inner skirt 216 having at the lower peripheral edge thereof,zipper slide and pull half portion 218 (of a dual post zipper,)engageable with either-dual post half portion 232 (if one reversibleslip cover 230 is applied) or with dual post half portion 242 (ifreversible slip cover 240 is applied,) or, if optionally two slip covers(such as slip covers 230 and 240) are stacked, as shown in FIG. 7B.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B show multiple outer slip covers, includingintermediate slip cover 130 or 230 and outer slip cover 140 or 240 withdual post zippers. It is further noted that dual post zippers are mainlyneeded if intermediate slip covers 130 and 230 and/or outer slip covers140 or 240 are reversible. If, in fact, intermediate slip covers 130,230 and/or outer slip covers 140 and 240 are not reversible, then aconventional single post zipper may be used.

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows tote-style handbag system 300 including foundationbag 302 having permanently attached horizontal linear outer flap 304whose connection interface between stackable slip covers 330 and 340 andfoundation bag 302 is a plurality of turn locks 309. FIG. 8A also showsa handle 312 connected by conventional connections to top region 304 offoundation bag 302. It is noted that optionally a single slip cover 330or 340 may be utilized with foundation bag 302 and turn locks 309.

It is understood that slip covers 330 and 340 may each be a reversibleone or a non-reversible one. Turn locks 309 are similar in general toconventional turn locks for handbags, such as disclosed as referencenumeral “48” in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,179 of Joyner.

The close up exploded perspective view of FIG. 8B depicts a portion oftote bag 300 shown in FIG. 8A. When viewing FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B is viewedalong the dashed lines in circle “8B”. The bi-directional curved arrowshown in FIG. 8B indicates the axial pivoting of turn lock 309. Theouter distal head of turn lock 309 attached to the upper portion offoundation bag wall 302 passes first through an eyelet in locking plate331 of slip cover 330, next through an eyelet in locking plate 341,which is attached to slip cover 340. The eyelets through plates 331 and341, attached to slip covers 330 and 340, are located in positionalregister with the eyelet in plate 317, located on outer flap 304 offoundation bag 302. In operation, the outer restraining head of lock 309is turned axially to alternately lock or unlock slip covers 330 and 340from foundation bag 302. It is also noted in FIGS. 8A and 8B that a slitsimilar to that of FIG. 6A, except its cut is longer along the entireheight of outer flap 304, may be made into outer flap 304 on each sideand may extend up to the dotted stitch line at the top of outer flap304, to enable flap 304 to be lifted up above the turn lock mechanism109, so that covers 330 and 340 can be easily attached.

While the demarcation edge region 308 of outer flap 304 is shown as alinear edge region, it is noted that demarcation edge region 308 canoptionally take on many geometric shapes. It is further noted thatdemarcation edge 308 may extend across an array of user operablefasteners such as snaps 346 (as shown in FIG. 8C) having reciprocalportions connected to an inner portion of outer flap 304 and an outerportion of outer slip cover 340 or outer and inner portions of outerslip cover 340 if it is reversible.

Also as shown in FIG. 8D, the user operable fasteners may be adjustablesuch as shown as adjustable snap 347 located on the inner portion offlap 304 along lower demarcation edge 308 with a reciprocating portionattached to an outer surface of outer slip cover 340.

Likewise in FIG. 8E, an array of other types of fasteners, such as forexample, concealed sewn in magnet 348, located on the inner side portionof outer flap 304 and along the bottom (for example, along horizontaldemarcation edge region 308 of foundation bag 302), engages magneticallywith sewn in magnet 349 located within outer slip cover 340. Thisoptional array may preferably be comprised of an extended arrangement ofa plurality of spaced apart fasteners 348, 349, wherein the array ispreferably comprised of at least three such fasteners 348, 349 in agroup, and wherein the array is comprised of at least two such groups offasteners 348, 349, with one group of discrete user operable fasteners348, 349 located on a front of foundation bag 302 and another group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners 348, 349 located on a rear offoundation bag 302.

FIG. 8E is a close up detail view of the tote handbag system as in FIG.8A showing a concealed dual post zipper portion 347 a of a dual postzipper attachment hidden under flap 304 of foundation bag 302. The dualpost portion 347 a is shown on the underside 308 a of flap 304 of thefoundation bag 302, which is raised to expose the connection interfaceof reciprocating pull tab zipper portion 340 b, having a reversiblezipper pull tab, of the dual post zipper attachment to the topperipheral edge 340 a of slip cover 340. The directional arrow indicatesthe movement of the pull tab of the pull tab zipper portion 340 b withinrespective upper and lower channels of a pull tab housing. Depending onwhich side of outer slip cover 340 is on the outside, the pull tab moveswithin the channels to switch positions when the slip cover 340 isturned inside out. This pull tab zipper portion itself and its locationunder the flap 304 shown are illustrative, and it is noted that otherpull tabs may be used as known to those skilled in the art of dual postzippers. It is further noted that the dual post zipper portion of thedual post zipper can be otherwise positioned under the flap 304 forconnecting slip cover 340 to foundation bag 302.

FIGS. 8F and 8G show a different tote style handbag system 400embodiment, but wherein outer partial slip cover 440 is connected by alinear array of a plurality of discrete user operable fasteners, such asconcealed sewn in magnets 448 and 449 of opposite polarities, whereinmagnet 448 of the pair of polar side magnets is concealed and sewn into(or otherwise attached to) optional intermediate slip cover 430 andopposite polar magnet 449 is concealed and sewn into (or otherwiseattached to) outermost slip cover 440, thus attracting and holdingoutermost slipcover 440 to intermediate cover 430. An array of aplurality of sewn in magnets 448 and 449 of opposite polarities may alsoconnect a single slip cover 430 or 440 to foundation bag 402. Thisoptional array may preferably be comprised of an extended arrangement ofa plurality of spaced apart fasteners 448, 449, wherein the array ispreferably comprised of at least three such fasteners 448, 449 in agroup, and wherein the array is comprised of at least two such groups offasteners 448, 449, with one group of discrete user operable fasteners448, 449 located on a front of foundation bag 402 and another group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners 448, 449 located on a rear offoundation bag 402.

However, more than one fastener system can be used in the handbag systemof the present invention. For example, as also shown in FIG. 8F, inaddition to the array of magnets 448 and 449 shown attaching short outerslip cover 440, intermediate slip cover 430 is shown engaged via dualpost zipper, which includes slide and pull portion 418 attached to theinner skirt of foundation bag 402 and post half portion 432 attached tointermediary slip cover 430. It is noted, however, that intermediarycover 430 is optional and that a handbag system may have only innerfoundation bag 402, and, unlike Dalsheim '404, at least one slip cover440, which completely circumferentially and continuously coversfoundation bag 402 in a horizontal side-to-side plane. Additionally, atleast one slip cover partially or fully circumferentially andcontinuously covers foundation bag 402 in a horizontal side to sideplane, while partially or fully covering foundation bag 402 in avertical top to bottom plane, up to its top edge.

FIG. 8G is a close up exploded perspective cutaway detail view depictinga portion of handbag system 400 shown in FIG. 8F. As noted before, whenviewing FIG. 8F, FIG. 8G is viewed along the dashed lines in circle“8G”. FIG. 8G shows discrete user operable fasteners (such as magnets448 and 449 of opposite polarities) being depicted as a matching pair,where one of polar side magnets 448 is concealed and sewn intointermediate slip cover 430, and opposite polar magnet 449 is concealedand sewn into outermost slip cover 440. FIG. 8F also shows in dashedhidden lines an array of other pairs of fasteners, such as pairs ofmagnets 448 and 449 of opposite polarities attaching short outer slipcover 440 to intermediary slip cover 430.

While aforementioned versions show the outer slip covers such as slipcovers 130 and 230, etc., covering the lower portion of foundation bags102, 202, etc., as in aforementioned drawing FIGS. 6A and 7A, it isfurther noted that in FIGS. 8H and 8I, handbag system 500 includes oneor more outer slip covers, such as slip covers 530 and 540 shown in FIG.8H, which may have closed circumferential or otherwise peripheral edgedapertures 541, optionally edged by decorative metal rings 542, whichallows the user to view intermediate slip cover 530 through eachaperture 541. Outer short slip cover 540 may be optionally attached by aconnection interface such as zipper (not shown) or by an array ofdiscrete user operable fasteners such as concealed sewn in magnet halfparts 548 and 549, which attach short outer slip cover 540 tointermediary longer slip cover 530 having zipper post half portion 532attached to its upper peripheral edge connected to zipper slide and pullhalf portion 518 of foundation bag 502. This optional array maypreferably be comprised of an extended arrangement of a plurality ofspaced apart fasteners 548, 549, wherein the array is preferablycomprised of at least three such fasteners 548, 549 in a group, andwherein the array is comprised of at least two such groups of fasteners548, 549, with one group of discrete user operable fasteners 548, 549located on a front of foundation bag 502 and another group of discreteuser operable fasteners 548, 549 located on a rear of foundation bag502.

Likewise in FIG. 8I, handbag system 600 includes full size outer slipcover 640, having closed circumferential or otherwise peripheral edgedapertures 641 associated with optional decorative grommet rings 642.Outer slip cover 640 may connect to foundation bag 602 via a connectioninterface, such as zipper post half portion 632 engageable with zipperslide and pull half portion 618 located under outer flap 604 offoundation bag 602 of handbag system 600. Optional intermediate slipcover 630 or a decorative portion may be exposed view-through apertures641 that have a closed circumferential or otherwise peripheral edge.Optional slip cover 630 is connected to foundation bag 602 by nesting inbetween foundation bag 602 and outer cover 640 or by concealed sewn inmagnets, or other connection fastening devices, on the foundation bagand cover (not shown).

It should also be noted that the fastening structures of FIGS. 8Athrough 8E can be located anywhere along the top, middle or lowerportions of the foundation bag wall, outer flap or optional inner skirtas design of the handbag allows.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an example of a further embodiment of a handbagsystem 700 for a hobo style bag which has no inner skirt, (such as innerskirt 116 shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6F and 6G, or inner skirt 216 shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B). Rather, handbag system 700 includes foundation bag 702and one or more slip covers 730 or 740 covering a portion of foundationbag 702. Foundation bag 702 has upper portion 704 from which ispermanently attached outer flap 708 at joinery edge 704 ¹ with optionalvent 710 shown in FIG. 9A only. Foundation bag 702 also includesfoundation bag closure portion 714 and handle 718. However, as shown inFIG. 9B, outermost slip cover 740 and intermediary slip cover 730 areattached to a lower region of foundation bag 702, by a connectioninterface such as the array of discrete user operable fasteners, such asmagnets 748 and 749 of opposite polarities, with mating sides, as shownin FIG. 9B. Each magnet 748 is attached to the underside of outer flap708 to receive respective reciprocal outer cover magnet 749.Intermediate slip cover 730 is nested in between outer slip cover 740and foundation bag 702 or else it has magnets which are concealed andsewn into optional intermediary slip cover 730 and also to the wall offoundation bag 702. This optional array may preferably be comprised ofan extended arrangement of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners 748,749, wherein the array is preferably comprised of at least three suchfasteners 748, 749 in a group, and wherein the array is comprised of atleast two such groups of fasteners 748, 749, with one group of discreteuser operable fasteners 748, 749 located on a front of foundation bag702 and another group of discrete user operable fasteners 748, 749located on a rear of foundation bag 702.

As also shown in FIG. 9B, permanently attached outer flap 708 may haveany geometric shape, such as for example, a trapezoidal shape extendingalong trapezoidal edge 708 ¹. This trapezoidal shape is similar to thetrapezoidal shape of flap 108 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In this version,there is no inner skirt, (such as inner skirt 116 shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C,6F and 6G, or inner skirt 216 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, just outer flap708, which is permanently connected to the middle portion of the frontand rear panels of foundation bag 702 at flap joinery edge 708 ¹, andwhich has the inner fasteners 748 joinable with further reciprocatingfasteners 749.

FIG. 10A shows an example of hobo style handbag system 800 with handle812 and foundation bag 802 having outer flap 808 with a curveddemarcation edge, wherein the curved outer flap 808 contains a curvedarray of discrete user operable fasteners 848, such as magnets, snaps,buckles, buttons, each having engageable reciprocating parts etc., 849,which attach curved outer slip cover 840 to foundation bag 802. Whenmore than one outer slip cover is applied, optional intermediary cover830 is nested and is held in place between foundation bag 802 andoutermost cover 840, which is attached to foundation bag 802. Thisoptional array may preferably be comprised of an extended arrangement ofa plurality of spaced apart fasteners 848, 849, wherein the array ispreferably comprised of at least three such fasteners 848, 849 in agroup, and wherein the array is comprised of at least two such groups offasteners 848, 849, with one group of discrete user operable fasteners848, 849 located on a front of foundation bag 802 and another group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners 848, 849 located on a rear offoundation bag 802.

In FIG. 10B, an alternate embodiment for handbag system 900 showing acurved outer flap and curved inner skirt using a curved dual postzipper, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,484 of Farrell. Handle912 is connected to upper portion 904 of foundation bag 902. Foundationbag 902 is covered by at least one optional intermediary slip cover 930and outer slip cover 940, wherein curved zipper slide and pull halfportion 918 is located on lower peripheral edge of inner skirt. It isfurther noted that the outer slip covers may be one or more slip covers930 and/or 940, and may be optionally reversible, using slide and pullhalf portion 918 engageable with dual post half portion 942 of a curveddual post zipper, located on a lower peripheral edge of inner skirt 916.Therefore, it is noted that optionally reversible curved-edged covers930 or 940 must use dual post curved zippers.

Likewise in FIG. 10C, the connection interface of handbag system 1000includes a non-linear array of discrete user operable fasteners such assewn in magnets 1048 and metal plates 1049 hidden under outer flap 1008.This optional array may preferably be comprised of an extendedarrangement of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners 1048, 1049, whereinthe array is preferably comprised of at least three such fasteners 1048,1049 in a group, and wherein the array is comprised of at least two suchgroups of fasteners 1048, 1049, with one group of discrete user operablefasteners 1048, 1049 located on a front of foundation bag 1002 andanother group of discrete user operable fasteners 1048, 1049 located ona rear of foundation bag 1002.

Furthermore, as also shown in FIG. 10C, it is further noted that outerslip cover 1040 covering foundation bag 1002 may have faux outer flapmask 1040 ¹ covering outer flap 1008.

In FIG. 11A, the handbag system 1100 may include foundation bag 1102having lower portion 1106 and upper portion 1104, wherein bothrespective upper and lower portions 1104 and 1106, are covered by outerslip cover 1130, but wherein the entire foundation bag is covered byouter slip cover 1130. In that case, the attachment for outer slip cover1130 is via a connection of fasteners, such as swivel snaps 1113,located on handle strap 1112 of foundation bag 1102, connected throughgrommets 1105 and 1131 on outer slip cover 1130 and grommets 1105 and1131 on foundation bag upper portion 1104 of handbag system 1100.Further fasteners may optionally include an array of hidden discreteuser operable fasteners such as disks and magnets 1148 and 1149 andother fasteners known to one in the industry. Also, it can beappreciated that more than one slip cover may be stacked, which allowsouter slip cover 1130 to stay snug to the upper portion 1104 offoundation bag 1102.

FIG. 11B shows swivel snap 1113 in exploded view prior to insertionthrough grommet 1131, which has a decorative outer edge, providing anaperture through cover 1130 and through further grommet 1105 providingan aperture through upper portion 1104 of foundation bag 1102, andwherein the optionally attached discrete concealed sewn in magneticfasteners 1148 and 1149 are shown beneath outer slip cover 1130 and areattached to upper portion 1104 of foundation bag 1102. Therefore swivelsnap 1113 of handle 1112 extends through both slip cover 1130 andfoundation bag 1102 via respective grommets 1131 and 1105. Theconfiguration in FIG. 11B allows for changing of handle 1112 for anotherhandle 1112, whereby handles have other respective swivel snaps 1113 forengaging grommets 1131 and 1105 respectively. It is appreciated thatarrays of other types of fasteners other than swivel snaps such asbuckles, toggles, snap hooks, clips and spring hooks may be used forengaging grommets or other apertures to connect slip covers tofoundation bag 1102. This optional array may preferably be comprised ofan extended arrangement of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners 1148,1149, wherein the array is preferably comprised of at least three suchfasteners 1148, 1149 in a group, and wherein the array is comprised ofat least two such groups of fasteners 1148, 1149, with one group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners 1148, 1149 located on a front offoundation bag 1102 and another group of discrete user operablefasteners 1148, 1149 located on a rear of foundation bag 1102.

Furthermore, as shown in messenger-type handbag system 1200 shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B, it is noted that in order to secure one or more outerslip covers 1230 and 1240, and to close top flap 1208, turn lock 1216may be provided for handbag system 1200 (Turn lock 1216 is similar toturn lock 309 of FIGS. 8A and 8B). Turn lock 1216 is progressivelyexposed through frame opening apertures 1232 of intermediary slip cover1230 and/or further aperture opening 1242 of outermost slip cover 1240.Handle 1212 is attached to upper region of foundation bag 1202 and theone or more slip covers are optionally held by either a zipper (notshown) and/or by an optional array of a plurality of discrete useroperable fasteners with mating attachments such as sewn in magnetfastener 1244 connected to reciprocal magnet fasteners 1214 offoundation bag 1202. This optional array may preferably be comprised ofan extended arrangement of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners 1214,1244, wherein the array is preferably comprised of at least three suchfasteners 1214, 1244 in a group, and wherein the array is comprised ofat least two such groups of fasteners 1214, 1244, with one group ofdiscrete user operable fasteners 1214, 1244 located on a front offoundation bag 1202 and another group of discrete user operablefasteners 1214, 1244 located on a rear of foundation bag 1202.

The aforementioned versions of the handbag systems described in FIGS. 6Athrough 12B show the one or more slip covers connected through an outerportion along the any outer region surface of the foundation bag, or ofintermediary slip covers. However, in certain circumstances, such astote bag 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, outer slip cover 1330 may beconnected by lapping over the outer edge of foundation bag 1302, andthereby connecting to the inside of foundation bag 1302 by virtue of anarray of fasteners, such as magnet 1314 and plate 1334 or otherreciprocating elements, such as handle connectors 1336, which protruderespectively through grommets 1304 of foundation bag 1302, grommets 1337of outer slip cover 1330 and grommets 1338 of foldover flaps 1336 a,1336 b, 1336 c and 1336 d. To facilitate this construction, end flaps1336 a and 1336 b as well as side flaps 1336 c and 1336 d are attachedto the top edge of slip cover 1330 at welt 1332.

FIG. 13B is an exploded view showing the handbag system 1300 withvarious connectors 1314 connected to connector 1334 and wherein innergrommets 1338 are provided on slip cover 1330, and which inner grommets1338 are in positional register with outer grommets 1337 of slip cover1330 and with grommets 1304 of foundation bag 1302, when flaps 1336 a,1336 b, 1336 c and 1336 d are folded over the edge of foundation bag1302 and connected to reciprocating sides of respective fasteners andwhere swivel snaps are shown in an exploded view in FIG. 13B prior toinsertion through grommets.

It is appreciated that other types of fasteners other than swivel snapssuch as buckles, toggles, snap hooks, clips and spring hooks may be usedfor engaging grommets or other apertures to connect covers to foundationbag.

While the drawings are illustrative of various examples, it is notedthat the trapezoidal flaps or curved flaps or straight flaps are justsome example of flaps covering the connection interface between one ormore outer slip covers which may or may not be reversible, which cover aportion or all of the foundation bag which without any outer slip coversis a fully functional handbag by itself. Therefore, the presentinvention includes a system for interchangeably changing the decorativeaspects of a handbag by providing an optional inner skirt which containsattachments of arrays of various fastening systems which engage one ormore slip covers in continuous linear, non-linear and/or curved arraysof a plurality of user operable fasteners. The slip covers may or maynot be reversible and may connect to a foundation bag along any regionthereof. The outer slip covers or optional intermediary slip covers mayeach have one or more apertures for exposing a surface portion of thefoundation bag or an intermediary slip cover through the apertures ofthe slip covers.

Where a permanently affixed outer flap of the foundation bag is providedover a zipper, such as a dual post zipper for reversible and/orinterchangeable and/or stackable slip covers or such as a regular zipperfor non-reversible interchangeable and/or stackable slip covers, then insuch case, the flap itself may be further liftable to expose an innerskirt having a connection interface at an outer, distal end region oredge, to allow better manual access therein and allow for the use ofhorizontal zippers in instances where the demarcation edge of flap isother than a horizontal shape, i.e. trapezoid, curve, zigzag, wavy,angular, etc.

Furthermore, the outer slip covers, when provided as a plurality ofouter slip covers, may be nested respectively and multiply stacked,wherein the inner stacked intermediate outer slip covers are nestedbetween the foundation bag and the outermost outer slip cover, whichattaches at an upper end, or upper portion thereof, to the foundationbag by a single connection interface, such as a dual post orconventional zipper under a linear flap or by an array of discrete useroperable fasteners such as buttons, snaps, clasps, magnets, turn locks,sewn in fasteners or any other fasteners such as known to those skilledin the art.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow. Illustratively, the invention hasbeen described as having a pull and slide zipper portion on thefoundation bag, and either a single post or dual post zipper portion onthe slipcover. However, those illustrations are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention in any way. For example, the pull and slidezipper portion can be located on the slipcover and either the singlepost or dual post zipper portion can be located on the foundation bag.

It is appreciated that many different types (e.g., sizes and styles) offoundation bag and covers can be used in accordance with the invention.While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

1. A handbag system, comprising: a foundation handbag having an innerstorage compartment and an outer surface, the foundation handbag havingan interior, front, rear and bottom regions connected to each other toform a container opening at a top end thereof, the opening have a topedge therearound; a slip cover having an interior, front, rear andbottom regions connected to each other to form a container opening at atop end thereof, said slip cover having at least one fold over flapconfigured to fold over the top edge of the foundation bag opening whenpositioned in its operable encompassing the foundation handbag; andfastening means for securing the slip cover to the foundation handbagwhen the foundation handbag is inserted into the slip cover and the atleast one fold over flap is engaged over the top edge of the foundationhandbag opening; wherein a continuous inner surface of the slip covercontinuously covers at least a portion of the outer surface of thefoundation handbag.
 2. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein saidfastening means comprises: at least one magnetic device positioned inthe at least one fold over flap of the at least one slip cover; and atleast one magnetic device positioned in the foundation bag and alignedwith the at least one magnetic device positioned in the at least onefold over flap.
 3. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein said fasteningmeans comprises: a magnetic device positioned in the at least one foldover flap of the slip cover; and a plate positioned near the top edge ofthe foundation bag such that said magnetic device aligns with andmagnetically engages said plate when the fold over flap is folded overthe top edge of the foundation bag.
 4. The handbag system of claim 1,wherein said fastening means comprises: a first magnetic devicepositioned in the at least one fold over flap of the slip cover; and asecond magnetic device integrated into the slip cover and being ofopposite polarity than the first magnetic device, the second magneticdevice aligned so as to be opposite the first magnetic device when theat least one fold over flap is folded over the top edge of thefoundation bag.
 5. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein said fasteningmeans comprises: at least one magnetic device positioned in the at leastone fold over flap of the at least one slip cover; and a plateintegrated into the slip cover such that the plate is aligned so as tobe opposite the at least one magnetic device when the at least one foldover flap is folded over the top edge of the foundation bag.
 6. Thehandbag system of claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises: atleast one grommet passing through said top edge of the foundation bag;at least one grommet passing through a top edge of the slip cover andaligned with the at least one grommet in the top edge of the foundationbag; and a snap device configured to simultaneously pass through saidgrommets in said foundation bag and slip cover, said snap devicefastening the slip cover to the foundation bag.
 7. The handbag system ofclaim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises: at least one foundationbag grommet positioned adjacent the top edge of the foundation bag; afirst slip cover grommet positioned adjacent a top edge of the slipcover; a second slip cover grommet positioned in the fold over flap soas to be aligned with said first slip cover grommet when the fold overflap is folded over the top edge of the foundation bag; and a snapdevice configured to simultaneously pass through said grommets in saidfoundation bag and slip cover.
 8. The handbag system of claim 1, whereinsaid snap device comprises a handbag handle having at least one snapdevice on an end thereof.
 9. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein saidsnap device further comprises a handbag handle having at least two snapdevices on opposing ends thereof.
 10. A handbag system, comprising: afoundation handbag having an inner storage compartment and an outersurface, the foundation handbag having an interior, front, rear andbottom regions connected to each other to form a container opening at atop end thereof, the opening have a top edge therearound; a slip coverhaving an interior, front, rear and bottom regions connected to eachother to form a container opening at a top end thereof, said slip coverhaving a top edge configured to be aligned with the top edge of thefoundation bag when disposed in its operable position encompassing thefoundation handbag; and fastening means for securing the slip cover tothe foundation handbag when the foundation handbag is inserted into theslip cover and the top edges of the foundation bag and slip cover arealigned; wherein a continuous inner surface of the slip covercontinuously covers at least a portion of the outer surface of thefoundation handbag, and wherein said fastening means comprises: at leastone grommet passing through said top edge of the foundation bag; atleast one grommet passing through a top edge of the slip cover andaligned with the at least one grommet in the top edge of the foundationbag; and a snap device configured to simultaneously pass through saidgrommets in said foundation bag and slip cover, said snap devicefastening the slip cover to the foundation bag.
 11. The handbag systemof claim 10, wherein said snap device comprises a handbag handle havingat least one snap device on an end thereof.
 12. The handbag system ofclaim 10, wherein said snap device further comprises a handbag handlehaving at least two snap devices on opposing ends thereof.